Tyler Nickel commits to Virginia Tech

The freshman guard appeared in 25 games for North Carolina during the 2022-2023 season.

Bob Donnan/USA Today Sports

North Carolina freshman Tyler Nickel entered the transfer portal earlier this month, joining five other Tar Heels searching for a new home.

On Thursday, Nickel announced his commitment to Virginia Tech, returning back to his home state to continue his college career. He becomes the first former Tar Heel to announce his transfer destination.

NEWS: North Carolina transfer Tyler Nickel has committed to Virginia Tech, he tells @On3sports.

Former 4⭐️ recruit.

Story: https://t.co/m21XKJNTdf pic.twitter.com/beF500OyxI

— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 30, 2023

The 6-foot-7 guard appeared in 25 games for North Carolina, averaging six minutes per appearance. He averaged 2.1 points per game on 37.5 percent shooting.

Nickel scored a career-high 16 points in the Tar Heels' 100-67 victory over the Citadel in December, shooting 5-for-10 from the field and 3-for-8 from three-point range.

Prior to his time in Chapel Hill, Nickel broke the Virginia High School Basketball all-time scoring record and was a four-star recruit.

As he heads to a fellow ACC program, Nickel will have three years of eligibility remaining. North Carolina is slated to play the Hokies twice during the 2023-2024 season: once in Chapel Hill and once in Blacksburg.

How will the Tar Heels replace the rising sophomore as they hit the transfer portal?